Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) cautioned that the Republican party’s leadership could face significant consequences if they strike a debt ceiling deal without majority support from Republicans. Gaetz said this action would break a previous agreement and might cause a motion to vacate the Speaker’s position.

Gaetz mentioned that this bill being passed by using the Democrats would be a violation of the agreement they had to allow McCarthy to assume his role of Speaker of the House. “If a majority of Republicans are against a piece of legislation and you use Democrats to pass it, that would immediately be a black-letter violation of the deal we had with McCarthy to allow his ascent to the Speakership,” he said. He further warned that such a violation “would likely trigger an immediate motion to vacate.”

DEVELOPING: Rep. @mattgaetz says if a debt ceiling deal is reached without a majority of Republicans' support, it "would likely trigger an immediate motion to vacate" — and "Speaker McCarthy knows that."

➡ https://t.co/lBTB1zauz6 @CSalcedoShow pic.twitter.com/9NzYAlWOwF

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) May 30, 2023

According to Gaetz, if Speaker McCarthy makes a move that goes against the party’s consensus, it could be considered a betrayal. Gaetz also believes that Speaker McCarthy is aware of the potential negative consequences of such a decision. “I think Speaker McCarthy knows that. That’s why he’s working hard to make sure that he gets, you know, 120, 150, 160 votes.”

Lawmakers in Washington are debating the debt ceiling, trying to avoid the country defaulting on its debts. Gaetz’s comments indicate that this issue may divide the Republican Party and put Speaker McCarthy’s leadership at risk if he supports a deal that doesn’t have his party’s majority.

During a press conference, Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the House, mentioned that he had talks with some members of the Freedom Caucus who had objections regarding the debt ceiling deal and had threatened to “book motion to vacate” on Tuesday.

“I’ve talked to many about whether they’re for or against the bill. I’m not sure what in the bill people are concerned about,” McCarthy said, expressing confusion over the specific issues causing the opposition​​.

The House Majority leader announced that the proposed deal would bring savings of $2.1 trillion, which would be the largest economic cutback in US history. The plan aims to reduce funding for foreign countries like China and requires welfare recipients to meet work conditions.

McCarthy defends the debt deal:

"I'm not sure what in the bill people are concerned about. It is the largest savings of $2.1 trillion that we've ever had… I'm not quite sure where they're opposed."pic.twitter.com/tm5jUOBlrF

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) May 30, 2023

The bill also includes some important changes such as improving the process of environmental reviews to speed up construction in the US and adopting the PAYGO system to control government spending which was previously introduced by the Trump administration.

“Are they opposed to work requirements for welfare? Should someone continue to be able to sit on the couch, able-bodied, with no children and not be helped to find a job?” McCarthy questioned rhetorically.

Additionally, McCarthy addressed potential concerns about changes to the environmental review process. “Are we concerned about, for the first time, to be able to change the environmental review in 40 years, so we can build things in America faster?” he asked, highlighting the deal’s aim to expedite infrastructure development and job creation in the US​​.

McCarthy supported the bill’s goal to execute PAYGO, a budget rule that necessitates compensation for new spending either with budget cuts or revenue increments. This would restrict the current president’s authority to unilaterally boost federal spending. McCarthy argued that if anyone opposed saving money or work and welfare reforms, he couldn’t do anything about it. McCarthy suggested that the opposing concerns might not align with the bill’s objectives of fiscal responsibility.

The Freedom Caucus, a group known for being conservative, has said that they might leave their positions as speakers due to the disagreements within the Republican party. This could make things difficult for McCarthy as he tries to keep everyone together and pass a controversial bill. This political situation will be closely watched in the weeks to come, as it could lead to big changes in the House’s leadership and plans for passing laws.

UPDATE: Fortunately for McCarthy, he got 149 Republican votes to pass the bill.